The spelling of "barque" can be somewhat confusing, as it is pronounced differently from the way it is spelled. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /bɑːk/, with a long "a" sound and a silent "ue" at the end. This spelling is the British English version, as in American English the word is typically spelled "bark". Regardless of the spelling, the word refers to a sailing vessel with three or more masts, typically with the aftmost mast being rigged fore-and-aft.
A barque refers to a type of sailing vessel that features three or more masts, typically square-rigged on the foremast and mainmast, while the mizzenmast is usually rigged with fore-and-aft sails. This distinctive rigging configuration distinguishes the barque from other types of sailing ships, such as schooners or brigantines.
The term "barque" has its origins in the French word "barque" or from the Italian word "barca," both referring to a boat or ship. In terms of size, a barque can vary, but it often falls within the medium to large-sized range, allowing for efficient navigation across both open seas and shallower waters.
Traditionally, barques were used for trade, exploration, and transportation purposes during the age of sail. They offered good maneuverability and were commonly employed by European nations for long-distance voyages, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries. In modern times, while the use of barques for commercial purposes has significantly declined, they remain a popular choice for sailing enthusiasts and maritime museums.
Overall, the barque is an iconic vessel that carries historical significance and represents the era when sailing ships were the primary means of international trade and exploration. Its unique rigging and seafaring capabilities make it an enduring symbol of adventure and maritime heritage.
See bark, a small ship.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "barque" has its origins in the Late Latin word "barca", which referred to a small, shallow boat. This term was derived from the Gaulish word "barcā", and it traces back to a Proto-Indo-European root *bharg-, meaning "boat" or "bark". The word "barcā" was later adopted into Old French as "barque", and it eventually entered the English language in the 15th century with the same meaning. In nautical terms, "barque" specifically refers to a sailing vessel with three or more masts, all of them rigged with square sails.